Soot buildup from improper operation of Dodge's Bluetec exhaust system caused another Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Previous re-programming of the Emissions Control Module did not resolve the issue, resulting in another re-flash plus replacement of O2 sensors.

This condition is widespread on Dodge Ram 2500 vehicles based on internet research. Per Dodge, use of the vehicle under normal driving conditions will not allow re-generation of the Diesel Particulate Filter, causing excessive soot buildup within the engine and turbocharger. I can't use this vehicle for usual in-town, daily use or commutes of average distances. In addition, the MIL issue always seems to come up after a long-distance trip where a full re-generation cycle would normally appear. In about 1,500 miles of use, I gained over a quart of oil in the crankcase due to soot buildup. Failure to address this issue immediately can result in expensive damage to the turbocharger. I've been told by a dealer rep that I need to occasionally run the vehicle above 2300 rpm for at least an hour to clear the DPF. This essentially will cause me to run at speeds of 80-85 mph for at least an hour -- I wonder if the various area police departments grant speeding ticket waivers for this condition??? No reliable fix has been developed, causing me to doubt reliability of this vehicle.

Once again, the omnipresent MIL activation..... Another set of O2 sensors (the third that I forgot to mention in the other 2 posts), 2 module re-flashes and the dealer had to drill an opening into the turbo housing to install a cleanout access.

Fortunately, everything is under warranty and the dealer has been exceptional in attempting to resolve issues, but Dodge has foisted a bad product on the public. I have avoided use of the vehicle on a regular basis, only using it to tow the 5th wheel approximately once a month or on long road trips, only to have recurring exhaust issues.

Re-programming of the ECM appears to be random shots in the dark by Dodge, as nothing done up to this point is anything but a treatment of the symptoms rather than a fix of the problem. The exhaust system was obviously rushed to marked, with Dodge customers paying $40 - 50K to be guinea pigs.

While the engine is awesome, the exhaust system makes the truck utterly unreliable under any driving mode. My advice is to stay away from Dodge diesel engines for the next couple of years until this exhaust system is either deleted or significantly improved.

As for me, I'm one more MIL away from the Lemon Law and am awaiting the class action suit (provided enough bailout bucks are available and Dodge survives).